Device pairing taking into account at least one condition

ABSTRACT

Some embodiments of the present invention include pairing two wireless devices by placing at least one of two devices in a pairing mode; performing at least one pairing motion event with at least one of the wireless devices to satisfy at least one pairing condition; detecting satisfaction of the at least one pairing condition; and pairing the two wireless devices in response to detecting satisfaction of the at least one pairing condition. Numerous other aspects are provided.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a 371 of PCT/US2014/062472, filed Oct. 27, 2014, which claimspriority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/021,690, filedJul. 7, 2014, each of which is hereby incorporated herein by referencein its entirety for all purposes.

FIELD

Embodiments of the present invention relate to pairing between wirelesselectronic devices and, more specifically, to efficiently and securelyestablishing communication via pairing between such devices.

BACKGROUND

Existing pairing methods for securely establishing communicationsbetween two wireless devices (e.g., such as between a cell phone and anautomobile audio system or a wireless headset, etc.) typically require aparticular sequence of non-intuitive steps and the exchange of up to asix digit key that is selected and/or displayed on one device andentered into the other device. In addition to having the user know therequired sequence of steps, means for selecting, displaying and/orentering the key are required. Thus, conventional pair-able devices thatmight not otherwise require a display or a numeric input device fornormal operation (e.g., a loud speaker, a heart rate monitor, etc.) mayneed to include such extra elements in order to be able to pair forsecure, wireless operation. Thus, what are needed are methods andapparatus for improved device pairing.

SUMMARY

In some embodiments, a method of pairing two wireless devices isprovided. The method includes placing at least one of two devices in apairing mode; performing at least one pairing motion event with at leastone of the wireless devices to satisfy at least one pairing condition;detecting satisfaction of the at least one pairing condition; andpairing the two wireless devices in response to detecting satisfactionof the at least one pairing condition.

In some other embodiments, a system for pairing two wireless devices isprovided. The system includes a first wireless device that includes aprogrammable smart device that is Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) enabled;and a second wireless device that is BLE enabled. The second wirelessdevice includes a processor and memory storing second wireless deviceinstructions executable on the processor, wherein the second wirelessdevice instructions when executed are operable to place the secondwireless device in a pairing mode. The smart device includes a processorand memory storing smart device instructions executable on theprocessor, wherein the smart device instructions when executed areoperable to: detect performance of at least one pairing motion event,determine if performance of at least one pairing motion event satisfiedat least one pairing condition, and pair the two wireless devices inresponse to determining satisfaction of the at least one pairingcondition.

In yet other embodiments, a method of pairing two wireless devices isprovided. The method includes executing a pairing application on a smartdevice that is BLE enabled; placing a second BLE enabled deviceimmediately proximate to the smart device; placing the second device ina pairing mode; instructing a user to move the second device away fromthe smart device; instructing the user to move the second device towardthe smart device in response to detecting that a first pairing conditionhas been satisfied by a first motion event; and pairing the smart devicewith the second device in response to detecting that a second pairingcondition has been satisfied by a second motion event.

Numerous other aspects are provided in accordance with these and otheraspects of the invention. Other features and aspects of the presentinvention will become more fully apparent from the following detaileddescription, the appended claims and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 depicts an example system diagram according to embodiments of thepresent invention.

FIG. 2 depicts a functional block diagram of a first example logiccircuit according to embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 depicts a logic block diagram of a second example circuitaccording to embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4 depicts a pairing motion sequence according to embodiments of thepresent invention.

FIG. 5 depicts a flowchart illustrating an example method according toembodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present invention provide improved methods andapparatus for securely pairing wireless electronic devices to establisha trusted wireless communications channel between the devices. Insteadof exchanging a numeric pairing key, embodiments of the presentinvention use a pairing motion event to satisfy at least one pairingcondition before pairing is permitted.

Various wireless protocols such as Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE) require apairing process to establish a communications link. BLE is a radiofrequency (RF) communications protocol that operates in the 2.4 GHzindustrial, scientific and medical (ISM) radio band. The BLEspecification includes profile definitions to support communicationbetween devices such as blood glucose meters (BGMs) and a smartphone ortablet, as well as a proximity profile that allows a proximity monitor(e.g., on a smartphone) to detect whether a proximity reporter (e.g., ona BGM) is within a specified range. Physical proximity can be estimatedusing the radio receiver's received signal strength indicator (RSSI)value.

Embodiments of the present invention provide a novel pairing processthat can be used to securely establish a communications link between twodevices without requiring a user to enter a key, nor the devices toinclude facilities for selecting, displaying and/or entering a key. Insome embodiments, pairing is performed by putting the devices in pairingmode, moving the devices apart and then together. Using proximitymeasurement over time (e.g., using the proximity profile for BLE), acommunications link can be established based upon first detecting theclose proximity of the two devices, then detecting the increasingdistance between the devices to a first threshold (e.g., reduced signalstrength), and finally detecting the decreasing distance between thedevice to a second threshold (e.g., increased signal strength). In someother embodiments, pairing is performed by putting the devices inpairing mode and then tapping the two devices together. The tap can bedetected using an accelerometer (e.g., on a smart phone). In yet otherembodiments, both discovery and pairing are achieved by taping onedevice that is in pairing mode with another device that is in a standbymode. The tap event is used to wake the device in standby mode to enterinto pairing mode. With both devices in pairing mode, the pairing basedon the tap event then proceeds as above.

In each type of the above embodiments, detection of a pre-definedphysical motion event (e.g., a changing proximity pattern/motionsequence or a tap event that satisfies at least one pairing condition)while in pairing mode (or upon waking into pairing mode) serves toreplace a conventional numeric key exchange process as the basis forsecurely establishing communications between the two devices. Note thatthe establishment of the communications link is considered “secure”because only the two devices concurrently undergoing the pre-definedphysical event while in pairing mode can establish the link.Eavesdropper devices are precluded from connecting (e.g., by highjacking the connection) because they do not participate in thepre-defined physical motion event (e.g., the tap event or the pairingmotion sequence/proximity pattern). In other words, a non-secure pairingsystem would allow a link to be established by merely putting the twodevices in pairing mode within range of each other. Embodiments of thepresent invention insure that only the intended devices that satisfy apairing condition by participating in a pairing motion event can bepaired and any eavesdropper devices cannot be paired. Thus, theseembodiments provide the user with both the convenience of a simple,intuitive pairing procedure and a sense of security and certainty.

Turning to FIG. 1, an example system 100 according to embodiments of thepresent invention is provided. In some embodiments, the system 100 caninclude a BGM 102 with BLE capability and one or more smartphones 104A,104B, 104C also with BLE capability. Note that the example system 100 isshown with a BGM 102 and one or more smartphones 104A, 104B, 104C merelyas an illustrative example. Further note that the system 100 canalternatively use any wireless devices that are enabled with anycommunications protocol (e.g., BLE, Bluetooth, ANT Protocol, etc.) thatuses pairing to securely establish a trusted wireless communication link106. For example, embodiments of the present invention can be used forpairing Bluetooth devices such as the Lockitron Deadbolt, Motorola'sH19TXT Headset, the Polaroid Pogo Connect Smart Pen, the Pebble E-PaperWatch, the Wahoo Fitness KICKR stationary exercise bike system, the NikeHyperdunk+ basketball shoes, the Jabra Solemate docking station speakersystem, the Withings Wireless Scale WS-30, the Scosche RHYTHM armbandpulse sensor, the Microsoft Sculpt Mobile Keyboard, the Polaroid PoGoInstant Mobile Printer, the Kensington Vo200 Bluetooth Internet Phone,the BlueAnt Supertooth 3 Hands-Free Speakerphone, the InterlinkElectronics VP6600 ExpressCard Media Remote for Bluetooth, the LegoMindstorms NXT Robot Kit, the Baracoda D-Fly Bar Code Scanner, theGARMIN GLO Portable Aviation GPS. In addition, “smart devices” such assmartphones, tablets such as the Apple iPad, any personal or laptopcomputer with a Bluetooth adapter such as the Kinivo BTD-400 Bluetooth4.0 USB adapter, any programmable device with wireless communicationfacility, etc. can be paired using the methods and apparatus ofembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 depicts a functional block diagram illustrating an example logiccircuit 200 embodiment of the present invention that uses a tap eventfor pairing. Note that even though the components of the circuit 200 arerepresented as hardware devices, in some embodiments, circuit can beembodied as software or a combination of hardware and softwarecomponents executing on a programmable device (e.g., a smartphone,tablet, etc.). The illustrated embodiment assumes that at least one ofthe two devices to be paired includes an accelerometer. The examplecircuit 200, in some embodiments, will only pair the devices if thefollowing three pairing conditions are met. First, the tap is intenseenough to yield an accelerometer response above a specified “tapthreshold.” Second, the RF signal strength is increasing (e.g., devicesare getting closer) at a rate above a specified “mobility threshold.”Third, the RF signal strength is at a value above a specified “proximitythreshold.” In some other embodiments, not all three pairing conditionsare required to be satisfied for pairing.

In operation, assume that one of the devices to be paired is a BLEenabled smartphone 104A (FIG. 1) that has an accelerometer installedwhile the other device is a BLE enabled BGM 102. Embodiments of thepresent invention allow a user to pair the BLE BGM 102 with a smartphone104A using an installed application and a simple tap to pair procedure.The user starts the application on the smartphone 104A and turns on theBGM 102. The user brings the devices together and taps one against theother. Discovery and pairing will be automatically initiated in responseto the sudden change in the accelerometer readings and the proximity ofthe devices (i.e., a detected change in the BGM 102 BLE signal strengthdetected by application running on the smartphone 104A).

Thus, embodiments of the invention allow two BLE enabled devices to pair(in terms of the BLE standard) when one device taps another and thepairing conditions are satisfied. As illustrated in the functional blockdiagram of the logic circuit 200 in FIG. 2, meeting the pairingconditions can be represented as a signal flow gated by the conditions.The example logic circuit 200 is divided into a signal processing block202 and a decision logic block 204. The signal processing block 202receives an accelerometer data input signal 206 from the accelerometerand a BLE signal strength signal 208 from the BLE radio receiver. Basedon these two input signals and three pre-defined threshold values, thelogic circuit 200 creates a binary output signal 210 that indicateswhether to pair the devices or not.

The signal processing block 202 determines if sudden changes inacceleration of the smartphone 104A have occurred that indicate a tapevent has occurred. In some embodiments, the accelerometer data 206 isinitially put through a direction filter 211 to remove components ofacceleration in the Y and Z directions. In order to detect the verymoment when one device taps another (e.g., instantaneous motion), common“not so sudden” movements (which can be viewed as a low frequencycomponent of the accelerometer data input signal 206) are filtered outfrom the data generated by the accelerometer. The low frequencycomponent is filtered out by applying a high pass digital filter 212 tothe accelerometer data input signal 206. In some embodiments, the highpass digital filter 212 can be embodied as a simple, 1-tap infiniteimpulse response (IIR) digital filter. This approach also helps todampen or flatten out effects of gravity on sensor data since theaccelerometer measures acceleration associated with the phenomenon ofweight experienced by any test mass at rest in the frame of reference ofthe accelerometer device (e.g., commonly referred to as g-forceacceleration).

The physics of a tap event is such that the devices experience someacceleration in the opposite direction (e.g., away from each other)immediately after the tap event. Thus, by taking the derivative of thehigh pass digital filter 212 output (e.g., the difference betweenconsecutive outputs), the resulting signal is enhanced to show suddenchanges in acceleration more clearly. Thus, the signal processing block202 includes a signal differentiation block 214 that receives thedigital filter 212 output and outputs the derivative (i.e., d/dt) of thesignal to the decision logic block 204. While in some embodiments thisadditional signal processing can be optional, enhancing the signal doesmake the process more robust (e.g., more tolerant of “shake”, e.g., fromnormal jostling) and more reliably able to accurately identify a tapevent.

To determine the relative mobility of the devices towards each other(i.e., how quickly the devices are getting closer), the rate of changeof the BLE signal strength signal 208 is determined by taking thederivative of the signal 208. Thus, the signal processing block 202includes a second signal differentiation block 216 that receives the BLEsignal strength signal 208 and outputs the derivative (i.e., d/dt) ofthe signal to the decision logic block 204.

The decision logic block 204 includes a first comparator 218 with inputscoupled to the enhanced signal derived from the high pass digital filter212 output and a tap threshold value 220 selected to be large enough toinsure that the devices were intentionally taped against one another butnot so large that the tap could cause damage to either device. Theoutput of the first comparator 218 generates a binary signal that when“TRUE” indicates if the acceleration associated with the tap event wassufficient to exceed the tap threshold value 220.

The decision logic block 204 also includes a second comparator 222 withinputs coupled to the output of the second signal differentiation block216 and a mobility threshold value 224 selected to be large enough toinsure that the devices were intentionally moved together before the tapevent. The output of the second comparator 222 generates a binary signalthat when “TRUE” indicates if the relative rate of movement of thedevices leading up to the tap event was sufficient to exceed themobility threshold value 224.

The decision logic block 204 also includes a third comparator 226 withinputs coupled to the BLE signal strength signal 208 and a proximitythreshold value 228 selected to be large enough to insure that thedevices were close enough together at the time of the tap event toinsure that they contacted each other. The output of the thirdcomparator 226 generates a binary signal that when “TRUE” indicates thatthe devices were close enough together (e.g., signal strength indicatesproximity) to exceed the proximity threshold value 228.

Coupled to the outputs of the three comparators 218, 222, 226, a logicAND gate 230 receives the binary signals from each. The logic AND gate230 generates the binary output signal 210 which indicates to pair onlyif all three binary signals from the three comparators 218, 222, 226 are“TRUE”. If any comparator binary output signal is not “TRUE”, the logicAND gate 230 generates a signal indicating that the devices should notbe paired.

The above described embodiment uses an accelerometer on the smartphoneside to detect a tap event. In embodiments that do not involve a tapevent, an accelerometer is not needed. FIG. 3 depicts a logic circuit300 for a pairing method based on detecting the occurrence of apre-defined proximity pattern or pairing motion sequence/event insteadof a tap event. The pre-defined proximity pattern can be, for example,moving the devices apart to a threshold maximum distance and then movingthe devices together to a threshold minimum distance, both movementsoccurring at a rate above a mobility threshold. Other proximity/motionpatterns can be used such as moving the devices together and then apartor moving the devices apart slowly at first and then more rapidly aftera certain distance apart is reached.

The logic circuit 300 of FIG. 3 is configured to detect a simplepre-defined proximity pattern or pairing motion sequence/event whereinpairing occurs if the devices start next to each other and are thenmoved apart at a rate above a mobility threshold. In some embodimentswith more complex proximity patterns, the example logic circuit 300 canbe used for an initial determination that the devices were moved apartfaster than a certain rate and a second logic circuit can be used todetermine that a second movement occurred faster than a certain rate.The two movements together can be used to separately satisfy two pairingconditions. Likewise, the logic circuit 300 can be adjusted to detectdifferent pairing motion events at different times to detect a sequenceof movements that satisfies corresponding pairing conditions.

The example logic circuit 300 includes a signal processing block 302 anda decision logic block 304. The signal processing block 302 receives aBLE signal strength signal 208 from the BLE radio receiver. Based onthis input signal and two threshold values, the logic circuit 300creates a binary output signal 308 that indicates whether to pair ornot.

To determine the relative mobility of the devices towards each other(i.e., how quickly the devices are getting closer), the rate of changeof the BLE signal strength signal 306 is determined by taking thederivative of the signal 306. Thus, the signal processing block 302includes a signal differentiation block 310 that receives the BLE signalstrength signal 306 and outputs the derivative (i.e., d/dt) of thesignal to the decision logic block 304.

The decision logic block 304 includes a first comparator 312 with inputscoupled to the output of the signal differentiation block 310 and amobility threshold value 314 selected to be large enough to insure thatthe devices were moved apart faster than a minimum required rateselected to indicate the movement was intentional. The output of thefirst comparator 312 generates a binary signal that when “TRUE”indicates if the relative rate of movement apart of the devices wassufficient to exceed the mobility threshold value 314.

The decision logic block 304 also includes a second comparator 316 withinputs coupled to the BLE signal strength signal 306 and a proximitythreshold value 318 selected to be large enough to insure that thedevices were moved far enough apart to indicate the movement wasintentional. The output of the second comparator 316 generates a binarysignal that when “TRUE” indicates that the devices were moved far enoughapart (e.g., signal strength indicates proximity) to exceed theproximity threshold value 318.

Coupled to the outputs of the two comparators 312, 316, a logic AND gate320 receives the binary signals from each. The logic AND gate 320generates the binary output signal 308 which indicates to pair only ifboth binary signals from the two comparators 312, 316 are “TRUE”. Ifeither comparator binary output signal is not “TRUE”, the logic AND gate320 generates a signal 308 indicating that the devices should not bepaired.

Turning now to FIG. 4, an example pairing motion sequence 400 orproximity pattern is illustrated. The pairing motion sequence 400includes a first motion event 402 where the devices (e.g., a smartphone104A and a BGM 102), which are initially adjacent each other, are movedapart to at least a pre-defined distance from each other and a secondmotion event 404 where the devices are moved together. The motiondirection arrows 406 (only one labeled) indicated the movement of theBGM 102 away from the smartphone 104A during the first motion event 402and toward the smartphone 104A during the second motion event 404. Notethat the first motion event 402 is broken down into five steps and witheach step the BGM 102 is moved a bit further away from the smartphone104A. Likewise, the second motion event 404 is broken down into foursteps and with each step the BGM 102 is moved a bit closer to thesmartphone 104A.

Also note that as a reference for a user, an optional segmentedproximity indicator bar 408 is displayed on the smartphone 104A. Thesegmented proximity indicator bar 408 can be part of a user interfaceadapted to aid a user in executing the pairing motion sequence. Thedisplay changes based upon the relative distance between the BGM 102 andthe smartphone 104A. The closer the two devices, the more segments ofthe indicator bar are displayed and the further apart the two devices,the fewer segments of the indicator bar are displayed. Thus, forexample, when the user has moved the devices far enough apart to satisfythe pre-defined distance condition of the pairing motion sequence 400,the segmented proximity indicator bar 408 disappears. Likewise, when thepairing motion sequence 400 starts and ends, the segmented proximityindicator bar 408 is displayed with all of the segments.

In some embodiments, alternative displays or graphics can be used toindicate the proximity of the devices to each other. For example,instead of or in addition to a segmented bar, a series of concentriccircles can be used. In some embodiments, colors can be used. Forexample, a color spectrum ranging from red to purple can be used wherered indicates the devices are proximate to each other and purpleindicates the devices are distant from each other. Further, in someembodiments, sound can be used. For example, a rapid beeping sound, fasttempo music, and/or high pitch tones can indicate the devices areproximate to each other and a slow beeping, slow temp music, and/or lowpitch tones can indicate the devices are distant from each other. Insome embodiments where the pairing motion sequence requires that themotions be performed at a rate faster than a mobility threshold,graphics, color, and/or sound can be used to indicate that the motionsneed to be performed faster. For example, if the user is moving the BGM102 too slowly, the indicator bar 408 can flash red. If the rate exceedsthe mobility threshold, the indicator bar can be displayed in a solidblue color.

Turning now to FIG. 5, a flow chart depicting an example method 500 ofpairing wireless devices according to embodiments of the presentinvention is described. The method 500 starts with executing anapplication on a smart device (e.g., a smartphone, a tablet, a laptopcomputer, etc.) that is BLE enabled (502). While embodiments of theinvention can use other wireless communication protocols, the examplemethod 500 will be described using BLE to better illustrate theembodiment. The application can be a dedicated pairing application or itcan be part of a larger application that will use the wirelessconnection established by pairing the device. The application canuse/implement the embodiments of the logic circuits described above withrespect to FIGS. 2 and 3 as well as the user interface embodimentsdescribed above with respect to FIG. 4. In some embodiments, theapplication will place the smart device in a pairing mode.

The second device, which is also BLE enabled, is placed immediatelyproximate to the smart device (504). The second device is then placed inpairing mode (506). The smart device displays an indication of itsproximity to the second device in response to receiving the seconddevice's pairing broadcast signal (508). The smart device instructs theuser to move the second device away from the smart device (510). Thismotion represents a first motion pairing event that once completed, willsatisfy a first pairing condition.

In response to the changing distance between the two devices, the smartdevice displays a changing proximity indicator (512). Once the smartdevice detects that the second device has been moved away a sufficientdistance to satisfy a first predefined pairing motion sequence/eventcondition, the smart device instructs the user to move the second devicetoward the smart device (514). This motion represents a second motionpairing event that once completed, will satisfy a second pairingcondition.

In response to the changing distance between the two devices, the smartdevice displays a changing proximity indicator (516). Once the smartdevice detects that the second device has been moved close enough to thesmart device to satisfy a second predefined pairing motion sequencecondition, the smart device pairs with the second device (518).

This example includes two pairing conditions that are satisfied at twodifferent times but in a pre-defined sequence. As indicated above, thepairing conditions can require multiple motion events that can berequired to be completed in parallel and/or in a sequential order.

Numerous embodiments are described in this disclosure, and are presentedfor illustrative purposes only. The described embodiments are not, andare not intended to be, limiting in any sense. The presently disclosedinventive concepts are widely applicable to numerous embodiments, as isreadily apparent from the disclosure. One of ordinary skill in the artwill recognize that the disclosed embodiments may be practiced withvarious modifications and alterations, such as structural, logical,software, and electrical modifications. Although particular features ofthe disclosed invention(s) may be described with reference to one ormore particular embodiments and/or drawings, it should be understoodthat such features are not limited to usage in the one or moreparticular embodiments or drawings with reference to which they aredescribed, unless expressly specified otherwise.

The present disclosure is neither a literal description of allembodiments nor a listing of features of the invention that must bepresent in all embodiments.

The Title (set forth at the beginning of the first page of thisdisclosure) is not to be taken as limiting in any way as the scope ofthe disclosed invention(s).

The term “product” means any machine, manufacture and/or composition ofmatter as contemplated by 35 U.S.C. §101, unless expressly specifiedotherwise.

The terms “an embodiment”, “embodiment”, “embodiments”, “theembodiment”, “the embodiments”, “one or more embodiments”, “someembodiments”, “one embodiment” and the like mean “one or more (but notall) disclosed embodiments”, unless expressly specified otherwise.

The terms “the invention” and “the present invention” and the like mean“one or more embodiments of the present invention.”

A reference to “another embodiment” in describing an embodiment does notimply that the referenced embodiment is mutually exclusive with anotherembodiment (e.g., an embodiment described before the referencedembodiment), unless expressly specified otherwise.

The terms “including”, “comprising” and variations thereof mean“including but not limited to”, unless expressly specified otherwise.

The terms “a”, “an” and “the” mean “one or more”, unless expresslyspecified otherwise.

The term “and/or”, when such term is used to modify a list of things orpossibilities (such as an enumerated list of possibilities) means thatany combination of one or more of the things or possibilities isintended, such that while in some embodiments any single one of thethings or possibilities may be sufficient in other embodiments two ormore (or even each of) the things or possibilities in the list may bepreferred, unless expressly specified otherwise. Thus for example, alist of “a, b and/or c” means that any of the following interpretationswould be appropriate: (i) each of “a”, “b” and “c”; (ii) “a” and “b”;(iii) “a” and “c”; (iv) “b” and “c”; (v) only “a”; (vi) only “b”; and(vii) only “c.”

The term “plurality” means “two or more”, unless expressly specifiedotherwise.

The term “herein” means “in the present disclosure, including anythingwhich may be incorporated by reference”, unless expressly specifiedotherwise.

The phrase “at least one of”, when such phrase modifies a plurality ofthings (such as an enumerated list of things) means any combination ofone or more of those things, unless expressly specified otherwise. Forexample, the phrase at least one of a widget, a car and a wheel meanseither (i) a widget, (ii) a car, (iii) a wheel, (iv) a widget and a car,(v) a widget and a wheel, (vi) a car and a wheel, or (vii) a widget, acar and a wheel.

The phrase “based on” does not mean “based only on”, unless expresslyspecified otherwise. In other words, the phrase “based on” describesboth “based only on” and “based at least on”.

Each process (whether called a method, algorithm or otherwise)inherently includes one or more steps, and therefore all references to a“step” or “steps” of a process have an inherent antecedent basis in themere recitation of the term ‘process’ or a like term. Accordingly, anyreference in a claim to a ‘step’ or ‘steps’ of a process has sufficientantecedent basis.

When an ordinal number (such as “first”, “second”, “third” and so on) isused as an adjective before a term, that ordinal number is used (unlessexpressly specified otherwise) merely to indicate a particular feature,such as to distinguish that particular feature from another feature thatis described by the same term or by a similar term. For example, a“first widget” may be so named merely to distinguish it from, e.g., a“second widget”. Thus, the mere usage of the ordinal numbers “first” and“second” before the term “widget” does not indicate any otherrelationship between the two widgets, and likewise does not indicate anyother characteristics of either or both widgets. For example, the mereusage of the ordinal numbers “first” and “second” before the term“widget” (1) does not indicate that either widget comes before or afterany other in order or location; (2) does not indicate that either widgetoccurs or acts before or after any other in time; and (3) does notindicate that either widget ranks above or below any other, as inimportance or quality. In addition, the mere usage of ordinal numbersdoes not define a numerical limit to the features identified with theordinal numbers. For example, the mere usage of the ordinal numbers“first” and “second” before the term “widget” does not indicate thatthere must be no more than two widgets.

When a single device, component or article is described herein, morethan one device, component or article (whether or not they cooperate)may alternatively be used in place of the single device, component orarticle that is described. Accordingly, the functionality that isdescribed as being possessed by a device may alternatively be possessedby more than one device, component or article (whether or not theycooperate).

Similarly, where more than one device, component or article is describedherein (whether or not they cooperate), a single device, component orarticle may alternatively be used in place of the more than one device,component or article that is described. For example, a plurality ofcomputer-based devices may be substituted with a single computer-baseddevice. Accordingly, the various functionality that is described asbeing possessed by more than one device, component or article mayalternatively be possessed by a single device, component or article.

The functionality and/or the features of a single device that isdescribed may be alternatively embodied by one or more other devicesthat are described but are not explicitly described as having suchfunctionality and/or features. Thus, other embodiments need not includethe described device itself, but rather can include the one or moreother devices which would, in those other embodiments, have suchfunctionality/features.

Devices that are in communication with each other need not be incontinuous communication with each other, unless expressly specifiedotherwise. On the contrary, such devices need only transmit to eachother as necessary or desirable, and may actually refrain fromexchanging data most of the time. For example, a machine incommunication with another machine via the Internet may not transmitdata to the other machine for weeks at a time. In addition, devices thatare in communication with each other may communicate directly orindirectly through one or more intermediaries.

A description of an embodiment with several components or features doesnot imply that all or even any of such components and/or features arerequired. On the contrary, a variety of optional components aredescribed to illustrate the wide variety of possible embodiments of thepresent invention(s). Unless otherwise specified explicitly, nocomponent and/or feature is essential or required.

Further, although process steps, algorithms or the like may be describedin a sequential order, such processes may be configured to work indifferent orders. In other words, any sequence or order of steps thatmay be explicitly described does not necessarily indicate a requirementthat the steps be performed in that order. The steps of processesdescribed herein may be performed in any order practical. Further, somesteps may be performed simultaneously despite being described or impliedas occurring non-simultaneously (e.g., because one step is describedafter the other step). Moreover, the illustration of a process by itsdepiction in a drawing does not imply that the illustrated process isexclusive of other variations and modifications thereto, does not implythat the illustrated process or any of its steps are necessary to theinvention, and does not imply that the illustrated process is preferred.

Although a process may be described as including a plurality of steps,that does not indicate that all or even any of the steps are essentialor required. Various other embodiments within the scope of the describedinvention(s) include other processes that omit some or all of thedescribed steps. Unless otherwise specified explicitly, no step isessential or required.

Although a product may be described as including a plurality ofcomponents, aspects, qualities, characteristics and/or features, thatdoes not indicate that all of the plurality are essential or required.Various other embodiments within the scope of the described invention(s)include other products that omit some or all of the described plurality.

An enumerated list of items (which may or may not be numbered) does notimply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive, unlessexpressly specified otherwise. Likewise, an enumerated list of items(which may or may not be numbered) does not imply that any or all of theitems are comprehensive of any category, unless expressly specifiedotherwise. For example, the enumerated list “a computer, a laptop, aPDA” does not imply that any or all of the three items of that list aremutually exclusive and does not imply that any or all of the three itemsof that list are comprehensive of any category.

Headings of sections provided in this disclosure are for convenienceonly, and are not to be taken as limiting the disclosure in any way.

“Determining” something can be performed in a variety of manners andtherefore the term “determining” (and like terms) includes calculating,computing, deriving, looking up (e.g., in a table, database or datastructure), ascertaining, recognizing, and the like.

A “display” as that term is used herein is an area that conveysinformation to a viewer. The information may be dynamic, in which case,an LCD, LED, CRT, Digital Light Processing (DLP), rear projection, frontprojection, or the like may be used to form the display. The aspectratio of the display may be 4:3, 16:9, or the like. Furthermore, theresolution of the display may be any appropriate resolution such as480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i, 1080p or the like. The format of informationsent to the display may be any appropriate format such as StandardDefinition Television (SDTV), Enhanced Definition TV (EDTV), HighDefinition TV (HDTV), or the like. The information may likewise bestatic, in which case, painted glass may be used to form the display.Note that static information may be presented on a display capable ofdisplaying dynamic information if desired. Some displays may beinteractive and may include touch screen features or associated keypadsas is well understood.

The present disclosure may refer to a “control system,” interface, orprogram. A control system, interface, or program, as that term is usedherein, may be a computer processor coupled with an operating system,device drivers, and appropriate programs (collectively “software”) withinstructions to provide the functionality described for the controlsystem. The software is stored in an associated memory device (sometimesreferred to as a computer readable medium). While it is contemplatedthat an appropriately programmed general purpose computer or computingdevice may be used, it is also contemplated that hard-wired circuitry orcustom hardware (e.g., an application specific integrated circuit(ASIC)) may be used in place of, or in combination with, softwareinstructions for implementation of the processes of various embodiments.Thus, embodiments are not limited to any specific combination ofhardware and software.

A “processor” means any one or more microprocessors, Central ProcessingUnit (CPU) devices, computing devices, microcontrollers, digital signalprocessors, or like devices. Exemplary processors are the INTEL PENTIUMor AMD ATHLON processors.

The term “computer-readable medium” refers to any statutory medium thatparticipates in providing data (e.g., instructions) that may be read bya computer, a processor or a like device. Such a medium may take manyforms, including but not limited to non-volatile media, volatile media,and specific statutory types of transmission media. Non-volatile mediainclude, for example, optical or magnetic disks and other persistentmemory. Volatile media include DRAM, which typically constitutes themain memory. Statutory types of transmission media include coaxialcables, copper wire and fiber optics, including the wires that comprisea system bus coupled to the processor. Common forms of computer-readablemedia include, for example, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk,magnetic tape, any other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, Digital Video Disc(DVD), any other optical medium, punch cards, paper tape, any otherphysical medium with patterns of holes, a RAM, a PROM, an EPROM, aFLASH-EEPROM, a USB memory stick, a dongle, any other memory chip orcartridge, a carrier wave, or any other medium from which a computer canread. The terms “computer-readable memory” and/or “tangible media”specifically exclude signals, waves, and wave forms or other intangibleor non-transitory media that may nevertheless be readable by a computer.

Various forms of computer readable media may be involved in carryingsequences of instructions to a processor. For example, sequences ofinstruction (i) may be delivered from RAM to a processor, (ii) may becarried over a wireless transmission medium, and/or (iii) may beformatted according to numerous formats, standards or protocols. For amore exhaustive list of protocols, the term “network” is defined belowand includes many exemplary protocols that are also applicable here.

It will be readily apparent that the various methods and algorithmsdescribed herein may be implemented by a control system and/or theinstructions of the software may be designed to carry out the processesof the present invention.

Where databases are described, it will be understood by one of ordinaryskill in the art that (i) alternative database structures to thosedescribed may be readily employed, and (ii) other memory structuresbesides databases may be readily employed. Any illustrations ordescriptions of any sample databases presented herein are illustrativearrangements for stored representations of information. Any number ofother arrangements may be employed besides those suggested by, e.g.,tables illustrated in drawings or elsewhere. Similarly, any illustratedentries of the databases represent exemplary information only; one ofordinary skill in the art will understand that the number and content ofthe entries can be different from those described herein. Further,despite any depiction of the databases as tables, other formats(including relational databases, object-based models, hierarchicalelectronic file structures, and/or distributed databases) could be usedto store and manipulate the data types described herein. Likewise,object methods or behaviors of a database can be used to implementvarious processes, such as those described herein. In addition, thedatabases may, in a known manner, be stored locally or remotely from adevice that accesses data in such a database. Furthermore, while unifieddatabases may be contemplated, it is also possible that the databasesmay be distributed and/or duplicated amongst a variety of devices.

As used herein a “network” is an environment wherein one or morecomputing devices may communicate with one another. Such devices maycommunicate directly or indirectly, via a wired or wireless medium suchas the Internet, LAN, WAN or Ethernet (or IEEE 802.3), Token Ring, orvia any appropriate communications means or combination ofcommunications means. Exemplary protocols include but are not limitedto: Bluetooth™, Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Code DivisionMultiple Access (CDMA), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM),Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE), General Packet RadioService (GPRS), Wideband CDMA (WCDMA), Advanced Mobile Phone System(AMPS), Digital AMPS (D-AMPS), IEEE 802.11 (WI-FI), IEEE 802.3, SAP, thebest of breed (BOB), system to system (S2S), or the like. Note that ifvideo signals or large files are being sent over the network, abroadband network may be used to alleviate delays associated with thetransfer of such large files, however, such is not strictly required.Each of the devices is adapted to communicate on such a communicationmeans. Any number and type of machines may be in communication via thenetwork. Where the network is the Internet, communications over theInternet may be through a website maintained by a computer on a remoteserver or over an online data network including commercial onlineservice providers, bulletin board systems, and the like. In yet otherembodiments, the devices may communicate with one another over RF, cableTV, satellite links, and the like. Where appropriate encryption or othersecurity measures such as logins and passwords may be provided toprotect proprietary or confidential information.

It will be readily apparent that the various methods and algorithmsdescribed herein may be implemented by, e.g., appropriately programmedgeneral purpose computers and computing devices. Typically a processor(e.g., one or more microprocessors) will receive instructions from amemory or like device, and execute those instructions, therebyperforming one or more processes defined by those instructions. Further,programs that implement such methods and algorithms may be stored andtransmitted using a variety of media (e.g., computer readable media) ina number of manners. In some embodiments, hard-wired circuitry or customhardware may be used in place of, or in combination with, softwareinstructions for implementation of the processes of various embodiments.Thus, embodiments are not limited to any specific combination ofhardware and software. Accordingly, a description of a process likewisedescribes at least one apparatus for performing the process, andlikewise describes at least one computer-readable medium and/or memoryfor performing the process. The apparatus that performs the process caninclude components and devices (e.g., a processor, input and outputdevices) appropriate to perform the process. A computer-readable mediumcan store program elements appropriate to perform the method.

The present disclosure provides, to one of ordinary skill in the art, anenabling description of several embodiments and/or inventions. Some ofthese embodiments and/or inventions may not be claimed in the presentapplication, but may nevertheless be claimed in one or more continuingapplications that claim the benefit of priority of the presentapplication. Applicants intend to file additional applications to pursuepatents for subject matter that has been disclosed and enabled but notclaimed in the present application.

The foregoing description discloses only example embodiments of theinvention. Modifications of the above-disclosed apparatus, systems andmethods which fall within the scope of the invention will be readilyapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

Accordingly, while the present invention has been disclosed inconnection with exemplary embodiments thereof, it should be understoodthat other embodiments may fall within the spirit and scope of theinvention, as defined by the following claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method of pairing two wireless devices,the method comprising: executing a pairing application on one of twowireless devices to place the one wireless device in a pairing mode;physically moving at least one of the wireless devices to perform atleast one pre-defined pairing motion event to satisfy at least onepairing condition; detecting satisfaction of the at least one pairingcondition with an accelerometer or radio receiver of one of the twowireless devices; and establishing a communications link between the twowireless devices in response to detecting satisfaction of the at leastone pairing condition.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein the wirelessdevice executing the pairing application is a smart device that isprogrammable.
 3. The method of claim 2 wherein the two wireless devicesinclude the smart device and a second device, and the at least onepre-defined pairing motion event includes moving the second device awayfrom the smart device to at least a pre-defined distance and then movingthe second device toward the smart device.
 4. The method of claim 3wherein satisfying the at least one pairing condition includesseparating the two wireless devices by at least the pre-defineddistance.
 5. The method of claim 4 wherein satisfying the at least onepairing condition includes bringing the two wireless devices together tobe immediately proximate with each other after separating the twowireless devices by at least the pre-defined distance.
 6. The method ofclaim 1 wherein the at least one pre-defined pairing motion eventincludes tapping the two wireless devices together.
 7. The method ofclaim 6 wherein satisfying the at least one pairing condition includestapping the two wireless devices together with enough force to exceed apre-defined tap threshold.
 8. The method of claim 7 wherein satisfyingthe at least one pairing condition includes moving the two wirelessdevices together at a fast enough rate to exceed a predefined mobilitythreshold.
 9. The method of claim 8 wherein satisfying the at least onepairing condition includes moving the two wireless devices close enoughtogether to exceed a predefined proximity threshold.
 10. A system forpairing two wireless devices, the system comprising: a first wirelessdevice that includes a programmable smart device that is Bluetooth LowEnergy (BLE) enabled; and a second wireless device that is BLE enabled,wherein the second wireless device includes a processor and memorystoring second wireless device instructions executable on the processor,wherein the second wireless device instructions when executed areoperable to place the second wireless device in a pairing mode, whereinthe smart device includes an accelerometer or a radio receiver, aprocessor and memory storing smart device instructions executable on theprocessor, wherein the smart device instructions when executed areoperable to: detect performance of at least one pre-defined pairingmotion event with an accelerometer or radio receiver, determine ifperformance of at least one pre-defined pairing motion event satisfiedat least one pairing condition, and establish a communications linkbetween the two wireless devices in response to determining satisfactionof the at least one pairing condition.
 11. The system of claim 10wherein the smart device instructions further include instructions whenexecuted are operable to: execute a pairing application.
 12. The systemof claim 11 wherein the smart device instructions further includeinstructions when executed are operable to: monitor for an occurrence ofat least one pre-defined pairing motion event that includes moving thesecond device away from the smart device to at least a pre-defineddistance and then moving the second device toward the smart device. 13.The system of claim 12 wherein the smart device instructions furtherinclude instructions when executed are operable to: determine that theat least one pairing condition is satisfied when the two wirelessdevices are separated by at least the pre-defined distance.
 14. Thesystem of claim 13 wherein the smart device instructions further includeinstructions when executed are operable to: determine that the at leastone pairing condition is satisfied when the two wireless devices arebrought together to be immediately proximate with each other after thetwo wireless devices were separated by at least the pre-defineddistance.
 15. The system of claim 10 wherein the smart deviceinstructions further include instructions when executed are operable to:monitor for an occurrence of at least one pre-defined pairing motionevent that includes tapping the two wireless devices together.
 16. Thesystem of claim 15 wherein the smart device instructions further includeinstructions when executed are operable to: determine that the at leastone pairing condition is satisfied when the two wireless devices aretapped together with enough force to exceed a pre-defined tap threshold.17. The system of claim 16 wherein the smart device instructions furtherinclude instructions when executed are operable to: determine that theat least one pairing condition is satisfied when the two wirelessdevices are moved together at a fast enough rate to exceed a predefinedmobility threshold.
 18. The system of claim 17 wherein the smart deviceinstructions further include instructions when executed are operable to:determine that the at least one pairing condition is satisfied when thetwo wireless devices are moved close enough together to exceed apredefined proximity threshold.
 19. A pairing method for a smart devicecomprising: executing a pairing application on a smart device that isBLE enabled in response to user input; detecting a second BLE enableddevice immediately proximate to the smart device with a radio receiverof the smart device; detecting the second device in a pairing mode byreceiving a pairing broadcast signal from the second device; displayinginstructions to a user to move the second device away from the smartdevice in response to detecting the second device immediately proximateto the smart device and in the pairing mode; displaying instructions tothe user to move the second device toward the smart device in responseto detecting that a first pairing condition has been satisfied by afirst pre-defined motion event; and establishing a communications linkbetween the smart device and the second device in response to detectingthat a second pairing condition has been satisfied by a secondpre-defined motion event.
 20. The method of claim 19 further including:displaying an indication of the smart device's proximity to the seconddevice in response to receiving the pairing broadcast signal from thesecond device; and displaying a changing proximity indicator in responseto the changing distance between the smart and second devices.